Dr. Neza Koron
Medical Research Specialist, Fotona d.o.o.
A vaginal laser treatment is becoming a highly sought-after option for menopausal women suffering from vaginal dryness, pain, irritation and a deteriorated sexual life.
While menopause is a natural and significant stage in a mature woman’s life, education and public discourse on the topic is unfortunately limited, especially concerning sexual health.
A large majority of menopausal women are sexually active, yet almost half report problems in sexual intercourse. This is due to symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which are experienced by 30–85% of menopausal women. GSM can negatively impact sexual activity and overall quality of life if not recognised and managed properly.
Choosing an appropriate treatment requires an individualised approach, depending on symptom severity, patient preference and other possible health issues.
Symptoms determine treatment options
As symptoms of GSM vary between women, choosing an appropriate treatment requires an individualised approach, depending on symptom severity, patient preference and other possible health issues. Non-hormonal topicals and local or systemic hormone treatments are first-line options for otherwise healthy women.
However, some women cannot have hormone therapy or prefer solutions that do not require regular application of topical creams, so there is a need for alternative first-line treatments that can safely and effectively fulfil the needs of these women.
Laser treatments provide unique benefits
Vaginal laser treatments have become a valuable, scientifically-proven addition to the spectrum of therapeutic options for women suffering from GSM. The core of these treatments is known as Fotona SMOOTH® technology, which is based on infrared laser light delivered via a special patented thermal pulsing mode to the vaginal and vulvar mucosa. The application of gentle and controlled heat pulses to the tissue result in improved blood supply and regeneration of the vaginal and vulvar mucosa to their initial healthy state and function.
As the symptoms of GSM are progressive, their management is continuous and lifelong. In contrast to daily administration of topicals, RenovaLase® is initially performed 2–3 times on a monthly basis, followed by additional annual or biannual top-up treatment sessions.
Since there are many effective and safe treatment options, women no longer need to accept GSM and problems in sexual intercourse as inevitable consequences of aging. Raising the popular awareness on all aspects of menopause empowers us to find the best possible treatments to enable women to continue experiencing life to the fullest.
Fotona’s patented Fotona SMOOTH® Er:YAG pulse protocol was a key breakthrough that led to the development of an entirely new class of minimally invasive erbium-based gynaecological procedures.
These newer “SMOOTH” treatments are widely used for treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (RenovaLase®), stress urinary incontinence (IncontiLase®), vaginal relaxation syndrome or vaginal laxity (IntimaLase®) and pelvic organ prolapse (ProlapLase®).
For more information visit www.fotona-smooth.com and www.fotona.com/en/gynecology
